It was just revealed that "Political Rewind," one of the most beloved, impressive, consistent, reliable, even-handed, civil, nuanced, unpredictable, educational, entertaining and informative original programs to EVER air on Georgia Public Broadcasting has been unceremoniously canceled without warning, and it's host, Bill Nigut, has been fired.

Astoundingly, "Political Rewind" was EASILY one of the most popular and successful shows on GPB, routinely drawing some of the largest amounts of monetary donations during the network's twice-yearly on-air fundraising campaigns.

It has also been, for the past nine years, one of the only places small towns in Georgia could turn for honest, straightforward and candid assessments of the full realities of the political machinations across Georgia (at the local, regional and state level), and the implications those machinations and decisions held for the populace.

The show welcomed commentators from most all political persuasions, provided they could engage in tespectful, calm discourse, without resorting to raised voices or insults.

It was an oasis of calm and reflection in a sea of angry rhetoric, and it also elevated marginalized or minority viewpoints and perspectives, which many of us appreciated tremendously. 

This blinkered decision to prematurely end the show (noticeably ahead of the divisive 2024 Presidential Election) was incomprehensibly made by the new management of GPB, and *appears* to be the result of pressure put on the network by disgruntled, jealous, partisan right-wing COMMERCIAL talk radio hosts (read: ultra-conservative, openly biased MAGA and/or Qanon mouthpieces).

Longtime "Political Rewind" guest Greg Bluestein explains the situation thusly:

"When I reported on (longtime GPB director Teri) Ryan’s retirement in May, I received tips that ('Political Rewind' host Bill) Nigut could be in peril after her departure. 

Two officials told me an agreement had been made behind closed doors by the board and Ryan’s successor, Bert Wesley Huffman, to axe the show. A GPB spokeswoman said 'there was no deal with the board.'

Why the backlash against ‘Political Rewind?’ Some conservatives have long grumbled about the show, unhappy with Nigut’s fact-based treatment of Trump and the mainstream GOP voices he features over those in the party’s far-right wing.

Back in 2021, the Republican-controlled Legislature threatened a roughly $500,000 cut that Ryan at the time saw as payback for the station’s 'perceived liberal bent.'

At the urging of Senate Republicans, lawmakers slashed GPB’s budget by roughly 9%, or $1.4 million. When pressed on the cuts, one GOP leader cited complaints from small-town talk radio hosts on commercial stations peeved they weren't getting state money.

Now Georgians will be left without Nigut’s show at a crucial time, deprived of a bastion of civility and informed discussion ahead of a momentous race for the White House that could hinge on our state.

I’ll write what he was too polite to add: The end of Nigut’s show means Georgians will be less informed about the politics and policies that define their state."

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This petition DEMANDS that Georgia Public Broadcasting REVERSE this flawed and insulting decision and IMMEDIATELY REINSTATE AND RENEW "POLITICAL REWIND" WITHOUT ANY MAJOR CHANGES TO ITS HOST, GUESTS, STAFF, OUTLOOK, OPERATIONS AND OVERSIGHT.

To not do so would be a flagrant and transparent act of corporate sabotage against an influential and adored media program which for almost a decade has provided an otherwise unavailable and almost incalculable important outlet for LEGITIMATE discourse on local, regional and state politics in Georgia.

GPB's motto of late has been "Stand with the facts."

To cancel "Political Rewind," fire its host and scatter its staff throughout other, unrelated radio programs to appease a small yet vocal contingent of intolerant, truth-averse cronies makes a mockery of that motto -- and of GPB as a whole.

Rectify this mistake.

Illustration by the great Drew Friedman. He has no affiliation with this petition whatsoever, but I adore his art and his worldview, and since this is a matter of protecting free speech in the public realm, I am very hopeful he won't mind me using his recent, beautiful portrait of the late, great Lenny Bruce to help catch people's attention for what I believe is a righteous cause. Please support his artistic pursuits. Buy his work.